Flow through pressure regulator with pinch valve

ABSTRACT

A fluid pressure regulator includes a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; a flexible flow tube extending between the inlet end and the outlet end; a hollow piston located at a downstream location relative to a mid-portion of the flow tube in a direction of flow of fluid through the regulator housing; a first chamber above the piston and a second chamber below the piston; a passage establishing fluid communication between the outlet end and the first chamber; and at least one pinch arm pivotally mounted at one end within the regulator housing and movable in response to movement of the piston by an increase in fluid pressure in the first chamber so that an opposite end of the at least one pinch arm will pinch a portion of the flow tube and thereby restrict flow through the flow tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to irrigation equipment and particularly to waterpressure regulators for use with sprinkler devices.

It is well known to use fluid pressure regulators on irrigation systemsin order to provide constant outlet pressure over a wide range of inletpressures. The need for such regulators is particularly acute in lowpressure systems because a slight variation in pressure causes a muchgreater variation in discharge than the same system operating at highpressure.

The assignee of this invention currently manufactures and sells a fluidpressure regulator of the flow through type, having an inlet at one endof a tubular housing and an outlet at the other end of the tubularhousing. An annular seat, supported by a plurality of radial strutscentrally of the flowpath, is fixed within the housing and is adapted tobe engaged by a tubular plunger which is spring biased away from theseat (in the direction of fluid flow) so that under normal conditions,maximum flow through the regulator is permitted. In the event of apressure surge, the plunger is moved by back pressure at the regulatoroutlet, within a diaphragm chamber, against the action of the spring(and against atmospheric pressure), toward the regulator seat, therebydecreasing the flow through the regulator. As the outlet pressuresubsequently decreases, the plunger moves in an opposite direction underthe influence of the spring. The plunger thus continuously seeks anequilibrium position where the opposed pressures on the piston aresubstantially equal. See, for example, commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.5,257,646. Regulators of this type, however, are prone to clogging bygrass and other fibrous debris that tends to “hairpin” about the radialwebs or struts supporting the seat in the center of the flowpath. Itwould therefore be desirable to eliminate any radially oriented webs orstruts in pressure regulator devices to minimize the potential forclogging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention eliminates the center-located regulator seat andits supporting radial supports, or struts, in favor of a piston-actuatedpinch mechanism that constricts the diameter of a flexible flow tubewithin the pressure regulator housing. More specifically, the pressureregulator in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of this inventionincludes a tubular housing having a cap component and a main bodycomponent that are secured together by a threaded clamp ring. Thepressure regulator has an inlet end, and an outlet end, both of whichmay be internally (or externally) threaded to facilitate attachment topipes, sprinklers, or other devices. The flexible flow tube is securedat opposite ends of the regulator and a support sleeve is received overthe flow tube to provide radial support therefor, with the exception ofan open middle portion that permits operation of a pair of pinch armspivotally secured within the main body, upstream of the pinch area ofthe flow tube. The pinch arms extend axially along the flow tube butalso include diametrically opposed pinch tabs that extendperpendicularly from the pinch arms so that they may engage the flowtube through the center openings in the support sleeve.

The hollow piston is arranged over the upper end of the support sleeveand a coil spring extends between a lower portion of the main bodycomponent and the underside of a radial flange on the piston, thusbiasing the piston in an upward direction, i.e., in a direction towardthe regulator outlet end. Note that references to “upper” or “upwardly”or “lower” or “downwardly,” etc. are merely intended to conform to theregulator as oriented in the drawings, and are not to be regardednecessarily as limiting.

The lower end of the piston is formed with a downwardly and outwardlytapered, annular cam surface that is oriented to engage complementarysurfaces on the pinch arms, while an annular diaphragm is arrangedradially between an upper edge of the piston and an upper edge of themain body component. More specifically, a reinforced, radially inneredge of the diaphragm is located in a radially outer portion of the topsurface of the piston while the radially outer edge of the diaphragm isseated in a groove in the upper edge of the main body component, andclamped in place by the cap component. This arrangement establishes afirst fluid chamber generally above a radial flange portion of thepiston that is sealed relative to a second chamber below the flangeportion of the piston. A passage fluidly connects the regulator outletend and the upper chamber. Thus, the position of the piston isdetermined by the competing forces of the fluid pressure in the upperfluid chamber at the outlet end of the regulator exerting force on thepiston in one direction, and the coil spring exerting force on thepiston in an opposite direction.

Thus, as the outlet pressure increases, the pressure in the upperchamber will gradually overcome the opposing force generated by the coilspring, causing the piston to move downwardly, pushing the pinch armsinwardly to restrict flow through the flexible flow tube. As the outletpressure decreases, the piston may stop or move in the oppositedirection to increase flow, depending on the outlet pressure. In thismanner, the regulator will constantly seek an equilibrium position thatwill result in uniform outlet pressure.

With this arrangement, the flexible flow tube is also less prone toclogging and, in addition, a clear line of sight is established alongthe longitudinal axis of the regulator, thus facilitating visualinspection of the regulator interior for debris and the like.

In another embodiment, the pinch arms are pivotally secured downstreamof the pinch area. In this embodiment, the piston is formed with camarms, with or without rollers on the distal ends of the arms. The camarms are adapted to engage the pinch arms and to move the arms inwardlyto pinch the flexible flow tube substantially as described above. Athree-function manual control knob may be provided that would enableshut-off of the flow; regulation of the flow as described above; orlock-up in a wide open position for flushing the regulator.

In still another embodiment, a rigid flow tube is secured within thehousing but the tube has a double-bend, directing the flow from thecenter of the regulator towards one side of the housing and then back tothe center. The flow tube is formed at the bend with an opening sealedby a flexible boot. A pinch arm pivotally secured to the rigid flow tubedownstream of the pinch area is actuated by a cam on the piston to pivotthe pinch arm inwardly to engage the boot and move it towards theopposite fixed side of the bend to thereby restrict flow through therigid flow tube.

In each of the embodiments, the downstream (or outlet) pressuredetermines the direction of movement of the piston and hence the pincharm(s), thereby regulating the flow pressure of the water exiting theregulator.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention relates to a fluid pressureregulator comprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and anoutlet end; a flexible flow tube extending between the inlet end and theoutlet end; a hollow piston located at a downstream location relative toa mid-portion of the flow tube in a direction of flow of fluid throughthe regulator housing; a first chamber above the piston and a secondchamber below the piston; a passage establishing fluid communicationbetween the outlet end and the first chamber; and at least one pinch armpivotally mounted at one end within the regulator housing and movable inresponse to movement of the piston by an increase in fluid pressure inthe first chamber so that an opposite end of the at least one pinch armwill pinch a portion of the flow tube and thereby restrict flow throughthe flow tube.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fluid pressure regulatorcomprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; aflexible flow tube extending between the inlet and the outlet defining aflow path therebetween; a hollow piston adjacent the outlet end; a firstchamber above the piston and a second chamber below the piston; at leastone passage establishing fluid communication between the flow path atthe outlet end and the first chamber; and a pair of pinch arms pivotallysecured in the regulator housing and movable toward and away from theflexible tube in response to axial movement of the piston caused by anincrease in fluid pressure in the first chamber to thereby restrict orexpand flow through the flow tube depending on direction of movement ofthe piston; and further wherein an unobstructed line of sight isestablished through the flow tube, along a longitudinal axis of theregulator housing, from the inlet end to the outlet end, when there isno fluid in the first chamber.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fluid pressure regulatorcomprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; aflexible, straight flow tube extending between the inlet and the outlet;and a pair of pinch arms pivotally secured at a downstream locationrelative to the mid-portion of the flow tube and movable radiallyinwardly or outwardly to restrict or expand flow through the flow tubein response to an increase or decrease, respectively, in fluid pressure;and wherein an unobstructed line of sight is established through theflow tube, along a longitudinal axis of the regulator housing, from theinlet end to the outlet end when the pinch arms are in a radiallyoutward position.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a fluid pressureregulator comprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and anoutlet end; a flow tube extending between the inlet end and the outletend, the flow tube incorporating a double bend intermediate oppositeends of the flow tube, and having an opening therein on one side of thedouble bend; a flexible boot covering the opening; a hollow pistonlocated at a downstream location relative to a mid-portion of the flowtube in a direction of flow of fluid through the regulator housing; afirst chamber above the piston, and at least one passage establishingfluid communication between the outlet end and the first chamber; and apinch arm pivotally mounted at one end within the regulator housing andmovable in response to movement of the piston by an increase in fluidpressure in the first chamber so that an opposite end of the pinch armwill project through the opening and move the flexible boot towards theother side of the double bend to thereby restrict flow through the flowtube.

The invention will now be described in detail in connection with thedrawings identified below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross section of a pressure regulator inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross section similar to FIG. 1 but with the flow tube in apinched condition;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2, simplifiedfor the sake of clarity;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross section of a pressure regulator inaccordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show a manually operated control knob in threedifferent functional positions; and

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section of a pressure regulator inaccordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a fluid pressure regulator 10 in accordancewith a first exemplary embodiment of this invention includes a tubularhousing 12 including a cap component 14 and a main body component 16secured together by means of a donut-shaped clamp ring 18. Morespecifically, the clamp ring 18 may be telescoped over the cap component14, enabling a threaded connection via the internal thread 20 on theclamp ring and the external thread 22 on the main body component 16 ofthe housing 12. As the clamp ring 18 is threaded onto the main bodycomponent 16, the tapered surface 24 on the inside of the clamp ring 18engages similarly tapered surface 26 on the cap component 14 so that thecap component 14 is clamped to the main body component 16. Further inthis regard, offset radial surfaces 28 and 30 on the cap component 14engage offset radial surfaces 32 and 34, respectively, of the main bodycomponent 16 when the two sections are clamped together by the ring 18.

The pressure regulator 10 is of the flow-through type, with an outletend 36 provided at one end of the cap component 14 and an inlet end 38provided at the distal end of the main body component 16. The inlet end38 may be threaded internally (at 39) or externally in any of a numberof thread configurations and sizes to facilitate attachment to variouslysized hoses or other conduits. The outlet end 36 is shown to includeinternal threads 40, adapted to receive in a typical arrangement,external threads on a rotary sprinkler, fixed spray head, or othersprinkler device.

Inside the cap component 14 at the outlet end 36, there is an inwardlytapered surface 42 that leads to a reduced diameter tubular connector 44terminating at an internal annular barb 46. A similar arrangement isprovided at the inlet end 38 where an internal tapered surface 48 leadsto a second reduced diameter tubular connector 50 terminating at aninternal annular barb 52. A uniform-diameter flexible plastic orrubberized flow tube 54 extends between the connectors 44, 50, with theopposite ends of the tube inserted into the connectors and held by thebarbs 46, 52, respectively.

A support sleeve 56 is received over the exterior surfaces of thereduced diameter connectors 44, 50 in a friction-fit engagement. Thesupport sleeve 56 surrounds a major portion of the flow tube 54 betweenthe connectors 44, 50, recognizing that the free ends of the sleeve 56are enlarged internally to accommodate the connectors 44, 50. Inaddition, the center area of the support sleeve 56 is formed with acenter opening 58 to permit operation of a pair of pinch arms 60, 62.The latter are pivotally secured via pins 64, 66 to an enlarged annularbase portion 68 of the support sleeve 56 (i.e., adjacent the inlet end38) seated in the radial space between the main body 16 and theconnector 50. Pinch arms 60, 62 thus extend from pivot pins 64, 66axially in the flow direction (indicated by arrow 70) through theregulator. More specifically, the pinch arms 60, 62 extend axially(i.e., generally parallel to the flow tube 54) to the center area of theflow tube 54, where integral and diametrically opposed pinch tabs 72, 74extend perpendicularly to the arms 60, 62, so that they may engage theflow tube 54 through the opening 58 in the support sleeve 56. As bestseen in FIG. 3, the tabs 72, 74 have respective flat tube engagingsurfaces 76, 78 that tangentially engage the flow tube, and that pinchthe flow tube 54 in the manner shown in FIG. 3 and as described furtherbelow. It will be understood, however, that the flow tube 54 could bepinched by a single pinch arm pivotally secured adjacent the inlet endor outlet end of the regulator.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hollow piston 80 is telescoped over theupper end of the support sleeve 56, and generally above the pinch arms60, 62. A coil spring 82 extends between an internal annular groove 84in the lower part of the main body component 16 axially and radiallyspaced from the pivot pins 64, 66, and the underside of an annularshoulder or flange 86 on the piston 80, biasing the piston upwardly inthe flow direction to the position shown in FIG. 1. When not inoperation, this is an at-rest or no-flow position. When in operation,this is a wide open or maximum flow position. The lower end of thepiston 80 is formed with a downwardly and outwardly tapered, annular camsurface 88 that is oriented to engage complementary surfaces 90, 92 onthe pinch arms 60, 62, respectively, adjacent the pinch tabs 72, 74. Anannular diaphragm 94 is arranged between the upper lip of the piston 80and the upper edge of the main body component 16 of the housing 12.Specifically, a reinforced, radially inner edge 96 of the diaphragm 94is located in a half-groove 98 in the radially outer portion of the topsurface of the piston and held in place by an annular retainer 100,while the radially outer edge 104 of the diaphragm is seated in a groove102 in the upper edge 34 of the main body component 16 and clamped inplace by the lower edge 30 of the cap component 12. Note that retainer100 is a flat annular, disk-like component, with an axially extendingskirt 106 that is pressed within a similarly shaped annular groove 108formed in the top surface of the piston 80. This arrangement establishesa first chamber 110 generally above the piston and a second chamber 112below the piston. A passage 114 extends through the tapered surface 42,thereby exposing the chamber 110 to the fluid pressure in the outlet endof the regulator. It will be appreciated that fluid in chamber 110 willexert a downward force on the piston (as viewed in the Figures), andspring 82 will exert a force on the piston in an upward or oppositedirection. An O-ring 116 located beneath a radially inner end of theretainer 100, and engaged with the outer surface of sleeve 56, preventswater in chamber 110 from running along the outer surface of the sleeve56 and into the lower or second chamber 112.

In operation, fluid will flow (in the direction of flow arrow 70), intothe regulator 10 via inlet end 38 and out of the regulator via outletend 36. Fluid will also pass at a regulated or downstream pressurethrough the passage 114 and into the upper chamber 110 above the piston80. When this regulated or downstream pressure increases, the pressurein chamber 110 will also increase and, depending on the calibration ofspring 82, will overcome the biasing force of the spring, thus causingthe piston 80 to move downwardly so as to engage the pinch arms 60 and62, resulting in an inward pivoting movement of the pinch arms fromtheir normal retracted position (FIG. 1), such that tabs 72, 74 willmove radially inwardly to pinch the flow tube 54 and decrease flow, asseen in FIG. 3. As the regulated outlet pressure subsequently decreases,the force generated by spring 82 will gradually move the piston 80upwardly, thereby allowing the pinch arms 60, 62 to move outwardly so asto increase the flow area through the flow tube 54. Thus, as the flowconditions change, the regulator 10 will continuously adjust, seeking anequilibrium position to provide a uniform pressure at the outlet end 36of the regulator 12.

One additional feature of the flow regulator that results from theinternal construction described above is that the inlet end 38, flowtube 54, and outlet end 36 remain clear, minimizing the potential fordebris build-up within the regulator. Because of the unobstructed sightline along the longitudinal axis of the regulator when the pinch armsare in the retracted position, it is a simple matter for a user todetermine visually whether or not there is any debris or otherobstruction lodged within the regulator.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. The fluidpressure regulator 120 includes a tubular housing 122 that is again madeup of a cap component 124 and a main body component 126 secured togetherby means of a donut-shaped threaded clamp ring 128. Here again, theclamp ring is telescoped over the cap component 124, enabling a threadedconnection via the internal thread 130 on the clamp ring and theexternal thread 132 on the main body component 126.

The pressure regulator 120 includes an inlet end 134 and an outlet end136. The inlet end 134 is also threaded internally at 138 to facilitateattachment to variously sized hoses or other conduits. As in thefirst-described embodiment, the arrangement may be reversed such thatthe inlet end 134 is externally threaded for a coupling to acorrespondingly threaded hose or conduit.

The outlet end 136 is also illustrated with internal threads 140 that isadapted to receive the external threads on a rotary sprinkler, fixedspray head or other sprinkler device.

An internal tubular support 142 is formed with radial flanges 144, 146at opposite ends of the support. The upper flange 144 is engaged by thelower edge 148 of an internal annular ring component 150 locatedadjacent an annular internal flow passage wall 151 in the upper housingpart 124. The lower flange 146 of the support 142 is engaged by aninternal radial flange 154 in the lower housing part 126. Thus, when thehousing parts 124, 126 are secured via the clamp ring 128, the tubularsupport 142 is fixed within the housing. The upper radial flange 144 isformed with a pair of outward-facing annular grooves 156, 158. The lowerradial flange 146 is formed with a single, outward-facing annular groove160, the purposes for which will be described below.

A flexible flow tube 162 extends the length of the tubular support 142and includes radial flanges 164, 166 at opposite ends of the support,the flanges terminating in thickened rings 168, 170, respectively, atthe radially outer ends of the flanges. Ring 168 is seated in groove158, while ring 170 is seated in groove 160. In this manner, theflexible flow tube 162 is held clamped in place between flange 144 andring 150 at one end and flanges 146 and 154 at the opposite end. Anannular diaphragm 172 includes radially inner and outer thickened ringportions 174, 176. The inner ring 174 is seated in annular groove 156and is also held in place by lower edge 148 of the internal annular ringcomponent 150. The outer ring 176 is seated in an annular groove 178 inthe upper edge of the main body component 126 and clamped in place bythe lower edge of the cap component 124.

An annular piston 180 is located in the housing 122 for reciprocating,axial movement. The piston has an upper, annular edge 182 that engagesthe underside of the diaphragm 172 and moves in response to flowpressure in an annular chamber 184 above the diaphragm, between theouter wall of the cap component 124 and the internal flow passage wall150. A plurality of annularly-spaced passages 186 extend through thering component 150 and provide fluid communication between the outletend of the regulator and the chamber 184.

A pair of pinch arms 188, 190 are pivotally secured to a reinforcedsleeve portion 192 of the tubular support 142, adjacent the upper ordownstream end of the tubular support. These pinch arms each include anangled but generally axially extending portion 194 and a transverse orhorizontal pinch portion 196. The pinch portions 196 are located toengage diametrically opposed portions of the flexible flow tube 162, viacutouts 198, 200 in the tubular support 142. The pinch arms 188, 190 areactuated to pivot about pins 202, 204 and to pinch the flow tube whenthe piston 180 is driven downwardly by increased pressure in the chamber184, against the bias of coil spring 206. In this regard, the piston 180is provided with a pair of fixed actuating arms 208, 210 that arealigned with and arranged to engage the angled portions 194 of the pincharms. The arms may be formed with cam surfaces 212 at their distal ends,or alternatively, fitted with rollers 214, that engage and facilitatethe pivoting movement of the pinch arms.

The operation of this embodiment is otherwise similar to thefirst-described embodiment.

An optional manual shut-off capability is also provided in thisembodiment. Specifically, a manually operated knob 216 is mounted in theregulator housing wall, with a shaft portion 218 secured to a cam member220. The cam 220 is located within a slot or window 222 in an extendedskirt portion 224 of the piston 180. With reference to FIGS. 5-7, it canbe seen that the cam 220 is rotatable to perform three functions. First,the cam may be rotated to a substantially horizontal position shown inFIG. 5 where the piston is free to move up or down. In other words, inthis position, the cam 220 is set to allow the regulation of outletpressure. Turning the knob 216 (FIG. 4) ninety degrees in a clockwiseposition turns the cam 220 to a “cam-down” position where the piston ismoved downwardly and held in a shut-off position, as shown in FIG. 6,with flow through the regulator blocked. Turning the knob 216 ninetydegrees in a counterclockwise direction (from the position in FIG. 5)turns the cam 220 to a “cam-up” position where the piston is movedupwardly and held in a wide-open flow position for flushing out theregulator.

In FIG. 8, still another variant of the invention is shown. In thisembodiment, the fluid pressure regulator 228 includes a tubular housing230 that is again made up of a cap component 232 and a main bodycomponent 234 secured together by means of a donut-shaped, threadedclamp ring 236 as in the previously described embodiments.

The pressure regulator 228 also has an inlet end 238 and an outlet end240. The inlet end 238 is also threaded internally at 242 to facilitateattachment to variously sized hoses or other conduits, but again, thearrangement may be reversed.

The outlet end 240 is also illustrated with internal threads 244 thatare adapted to receive the external threads on a rotary sprinkler, fixedspray head or other suitable device.

A rigid flow tube 246 is fixedly secured between an internal flange 248in the main body 234 and a lower edge 250 of an internal annular ringcomponent 252 located adjacent an annular internal flow passage wall 253formed integrally with the cap component 232.

An annular diaphragm 254 includes respectively radially inner and outerthickened ring portions 256, 258. The inner ring 256 is seated inannular groove 257 and is also held in place by lower edge 250 of theinternal annular ring component 252. The outer ring 258 is seated in anannular groove 260 in the upper edge 261 of the main body component 234and clamped in place by the lower edge 262 of the cap component 232.

An annular piston 264 is located in the housing 230 for reciprocating,axial movement. The piston has an upper, annular edge 268 that engagesthe underside of the annular diaphragm 254 and moves in response to flowpressure in the annular chamber 270 above the diaphragm. A plurality ofannularly-spaced passages 272 extend through the internal ring component252 and provide communication between the outlet end of the regulatorand the chamber 270.

The rigid flow tube 246 is formed with a double bend or directionaloffset 274 axially between opposite ends of the tube, directing flow toone side of the housing and then back to the center of the housing. Anopening 276 is provided in the rigid tube, adjacent the bend 274. Aflexible boot 278 is located over the opening 276 and is held in placeby a relatively rigid plate 280, fixed in place by any suitable means.The latter is formed with an opening 282 permitting access to theflexible boot 278. A pinch arm 284 is fixedly secured to the downstreamend of the rigid flow tube via pin 286, with a transverse pinch tab 288arranged to project through the opening 282 and into engagement with theflexible boot 278. The pinch arm is formed along its length with a camsurface 290 that is adapted to be engaged by a lower extended skirtportion 292 of the piston 264. Operation of the regulator is similar tothe earlier-described embodiments, but in this case, the single movablepinch tab 288 acts in concert with the diametrically opposed wall of thefixed bend 274 to restrict flow through the flow tube 246. As in theprevious embodiments, the regulator will continuously adjust, seeking anequilibrium position so that a constant outlet pressure is achieved,based on the outlet pressure in chamber 270 balanced against the forceof coil spring 294.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1. A fluid pressure regulator comprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; a flexible flow tube extending between said inlet end and said outlet end; a hollow piston located at a downstream location relative to a mid-portion of said flow tube in a direction of flow of fluid through the regulator housing; a first chamber above said piston and a second chamber below said piston; a passage establishing fluid communication between said outlet end and said first chamber; and at least one pinch arm pivotally mounted at one end within said regulator housing and movable in response to movement of said piston by an increase in fluid pressure in said first chamber so that an opposite end of said at least one pinch arm will pinch a portion of said flow tube and thereby restrict flow through said flow tube.
 2. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 and further comprising a coil spring surrounding said piston sleeve and said at least one pinch arm, extending axially between said piston sleeve and a shoulder of said main body component adapted to bias said piston sleeve in said direction of flow.
 3. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 and further comprising a support sleeve surrounding said flow tube, said support sleeve having one or more openings adjacent a mid-portion of the flow tube, enabling engagement of said at least one pinch arm with said mid-portion of said flow tube.
 4. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein said inlet and said outlet are formed with first and second reduced diameter connectors, and wherein opposite ends of said flow tube are inserted into said first and second reduced diameter connectors, respectively.
 5. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 4 wherein opposite first and second ends of said support sleeve are telescoped over said first and second reduced diameter connectors, respectively.
 6. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 5 wherein said at least one pinch arm is pivotally secured to one of said first and second ends of said support sleeve.
 7. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein said at least one pinch arm further comprises a tab extending substantially perpendicularly to said at least one pinch arm, said tab having a flat surface adapted to engage said flow tube.
 8. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein said piston sleeve is formed with a tapered cam surface at a downstream end thereof.
 9. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 8 wherein said at least one pinch arm includes an inclined surface adjacent said tab, said inclined surface adapted to engage and cooperate with said tapered cam surface on said piston sleeve.
 10. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein said first and second chambers are separated by an annular diaphragm extending between said piston and said regulator housing.
 11. A fluid pressure regulator comprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; a flexible flow tube extending between said inlet and said outlet defining a flow path therebetween; a hollow piston adjacent said outlet end; a first chamber above said piston and a second chamber below said piston; at least one passage establishing fluid communication between said flow path at said outlet end and said first chamber; and a pair of pinch arms pivotally secured in said regulator housing and movable toward and away from said flexible tube in response to axial movement of said piston caused by an increase in fluid pressure in said first chamber to thereby restrict or expand flow through said flow tube depending on direction of movement of said piston; and further wherein an unobstructed line of sight is established through said flow tube, along a longitudinal axis of the regulator housing, from the inlet end to the outlet end, when there is no fluid in said first chamber.
 12. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 11 and further comprising a coil spring surrounding said piston and said pinch arms, extending axially between said piston and a shoulder of said main body component adapted to bias said piston sleeve in a direction of flow of fluid through the regulator.
 13. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 11 and further comprising a support sleeve surrounding said flow tube, said support sleeve having one or more openings adjacent a mid-portion of the flow tube, enabling engagement of said pinch arms with said mid-portion of said flow tube.
 14. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 11 wherein said inlet end and said outlet end are formed with first and second reduced diameter connectors, and wherein opposite ends of said flow tube are inserted into said first and second reduced diameter connectors, respectively.
 15. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 14 wherein opposite first and second ends of said support sleeve are telescoped over said first and second reduced diameter connectors, respectively.
 16. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 15 wherein said pinch arms are pivotally secured to said second end of said support sleeve.
 17. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 11 wherein said pinch arms further comprise tabs extending substantially perpendicularly to said pinch arms, each with a flat surface adapted to engage said flow tube.
 18. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 11 wherein said piston is formed with a tapered cam surface at an upstream end thereof.
 19. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 18 wherein said pinch arms include inclined surfaces adjacent said tabs, said inclined surfaces adapted to engage and cooperate with said tapered cam surface on said piston.
 20. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 11 wherein said first and second chambers are separated by an annular diaphragm extending between said piston and said regulator housing.
 21. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 20 wherein said diaphragm is clamped at its radially outer edge by first and second components of said housing.
 22. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 11 and further comprising a manually operated control knob mounted in a peripheral wall of said housing, said control knob having a shaft with a cam fixed at a distal end thereof, engageable with an extended skirt portion of said piston.
 23. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 22 wherein said cam is rotatable between a first pressure regulating position, a second flow shut-off position and a third wide-open lock position.
 24. A fluid pressure regulator comprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; a flexible, straight flow tube extending between said inlet and said outlet; and a pair of pinch arms pivotally secured at a downstream location relative to said mid-portion of said flow tube and movable radially inwardly or outwardly to restrict or expand flow through said flow tube in response to an increase or decrease, respectively, in fluid pressure; and wherein an unobstructed line of sight is established through said flow tube, along a longitudinal axis of the regulator housing, from the inlet end to the outlet end when said pinch arms are in a radially outward position.
 25. A fluid pressure regulator comprising a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; a flow tube extending between said inlet end and said outlet end, said flow tube incorporating a double bend intermediate opposite ends of said flow tube, and having an opening therein on one side of said double bend; a flexible boot covering said opening; a hollow piston located at a downstream location relative to a mid-portion of said flow tube in a direction of flow of fluid through the regulator housing; a first chamber above said piston, and at least one passage establishing fluid communication between said outlet end and said first chamber; and a pinch arm pivotally mounted at one end within said regulator housing and movable in response to movement of said piston by an increase in fluid pressure in said first chamber so that an opposite end of said pinch arm will project through said opening and move said flexible boot towards the other side of said double bend to thereby restrict flow through said flow tube.
 26. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 25 wherein said pinch arm is formed with a cam surface engageable by a lower end of said piston.
 27. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 25 and further comprising a coil spring extending axially between said piston and a shoulder of said main body component.
 28. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 25 wherein said at least one pinch arm further comprises a tab extending substantially perpendicularly to said at least one pinch arm, said tab adapted to engage said flow flexible boot.
 29. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 25 wherein said first chamber is defined in part by an annular diaphragm extending between said piston and said regulator housing. 